Navy confirms nuclear submarine damaged after hitting underwater mountain near China

The U.S. Navy confirmed Monday that a nuclear submarine crashed into an underwater mountain in the South China Sea in early October.

According to the Military Times, two Defense Department officials say the submarine was damaged in the collision but not completely inoperable. 

Following the incident, the Navy reported multiple minor and moderate injuries among the crew of the USS Connecticut.

The collision occurred on Oct. 2, however, it was not reported by the Navy until nearly a week later.

Defense officials have not yet determined the cause of the crash or discussed the extent of the damage except that the propeller and the nuclear reactor appear to be unharmed. 

The vessel is docked at the U.S. Naval station in Guam awaiting repairs.